Getting to know Pilgrim Lodge’s Director of Ceremonies

We caught up with Pilgrim’s Director of Ceremonies (DoC) to understand more about his Masonic journey.

Tell us a little bit more about yourself…

I Am 67 years of age, now fully retired. Prior to retiring I was a chairman and owner of a automotive brake parts company. Other than masonry, golf is now my main hobby, along with walking in the countryside.

And how long have you been a Freemason and why did you join?

I have been a Freemason for seventeen years, I joined in 2007 following my retirement from Yorkshire (N&W) Army Cadet Force where I was the county training officer. I joined because I was looking for an organization with structure.  This I had in both my work and army background.

So, What do you get out of Freemasonry?

Generally, I find most masons to be family orientated, with a strong work ethic. They are aware of social issues both local and national, and where possible they want to help, be it practically or financially. Personally I like mixing with like-minded genuine people.

What do you most enjoy about Freemasonry?

My favourite part of Freemasonry is the rituals, which are so thought provoking and remind me how I like to live my life on a daily basis.

Tell us more about your role within Pilgrim Lodge…

My role within the lodge is that of Director of Ceremonies, effectively the itinerary, ritual and people manager.

There are lots of different Lodges in Freemasonry, why did you end up joining Pilgrim Lodge in Leeds?

Pure luck really, my brother’s wife’s father was a Mason. One afternoon we were discussing Masonry over lunch, and my brother’s wife mentioned it to her mother, who mentioned it to the Lodge’s Almoner. Both my friend and I were then contacted out of the blue, to attend a garden party where we learned more about Masonry.

That’s a really interesting story. Having been a Freemason for a while now, what do you most enjoy about Pilgrim Lodge?

I enjoy Pilgrim Lodge immensely, everybody is really supportive, friendly, and most important like-minded.

What’s your first proper memory of Pilgrim Lodge and Freemasonry?

My first ever memory of pilgrim lodge was during my initiation, where it first dawned on me how structured and organised Masonry was. It was exactly what I was looking for.

Thanks for taking the time to talk with us!